Cancer Risks From Low-dose Ionising Radiation Following Diagnostic Medical Procedures
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,579.00
Summary
Our study investigates cancer risk following exposure to low doses of ionising radiation from medical procedures. Our first major paper linked over 800,000 CT exposures to cancer outcomes in a cohort of almost 11 million young Australians, and found that CT exposure predicted an increased incidence of leukaemia and most solid cancers. In our ongoing work we will incorporate nuclear medicine and other diagnostic x-rays, and estimate radiation dose for individual procedures and to specific organs.
Improving Outcomes In Low Back Pain: Identifying Risk Factors And Patient Subgroups
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,768.00
Summary
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability globally with no effective treatment. Although low back pain is a complex condition, current treatment strategies use a ‘one size fits all’ approach which has contributed to lack of effective treatments and patient’s dissatisfaction. This fellowship aims to identify novel risk factors, patient groups and patient specific factors related to poor outcomes so that effective treatments can be targeted to those most likely to benefit.
Single Shot X-ray Tomography For Real-Time Functional X-ray Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,641.00
Summary
Computed Tomography (CT) scanners produce three-dimensional images of vital organs that cannot be obtained by conventional two-dimensional (single projection) x-ray radiographs. However, the radiation exposure is hundreds of times higher than conventional radiography. We will develop the world’s first CT scanner that uses no more radiation than a single conventional x-ray image that will provide four-dimensional reconstructions of a patient’s moving internal organs.
Optimising Radiation Therapy Delivery For Cancer Patients Using Daily Image Guidance To Maximize Cure And Reduce Normal Tissue Side Effects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,968.00
Summary
When using radiotherapy to kill tumours, the radiation beams need to be targeted at the tumour, plus a margin of error around it to ensure that it receives sufficient dose despite uncertainties in its exact location relative to reference points used for beam alignment. Advanced statistical modelling techniques applied to data collected from patients will be used to determine the optimal margin width for individual patients to maximise cancer cure while minimising normal tissue side effects.
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in adult across the world. Understanding how exactly brain cells are affected in stroke and how they are injured, and how they response to treatment is important in order to develop new treatment to maximize recovery and minimize brain injury after stroke. This project uses advanced MRI being performed at several time points after a stroke to study how the brain tissues recovers or dies after a stroke.
Towards The Clinical Application Of Phase-contrast Computed Tomography In Breast Cancer Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,659.00
Summary
Imaging used for breast cancer screening misses between 15-40% of cancers and uses radiation and painful patient compression. We introduce phase contrast computed tomography, which for the first time clinically since 1895, will exploit X-ray refraction rather than X-ray absorption. Our pilot data demonstrated an increased image signal, offering significantly improved cancer detection, reduced radiation dose and lower tissue compression. This work will include the world-first patient trial.
Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion MR Imaging Of Tissue Pathophysiology In Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,604.00
Summary
It was estimated that in 2012 there were 420,000 Australians living with disability caused by stroke. This project intends to develop a practical treatment selection approach using advanced imaging to target likely treatment responders which could result in more patients living disability free from improved diagnosis and individualised tailoring of acute interventions using MR imaging. The ultimate aim of this project is the translation and implementation of practical advanced imaging stroke.
Improving Cancer Management By Direct Detection With Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,549.00
Summary
Despite reliable methods of prostate and breast cancer diagnosis there remains considerable uncertainty as to whether the detected disease will have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. This uncertainty is largely due to the inability of current detection methods to show the extent of disease. This project will address this problem by developing new MRI methods that directly measure the microscopic tissue properties that define cancer.
The Access Project - Assessment Of Coronary Artery Disease Using CT Effectively For Stable Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,369.00
Summary
Invasive Coronary Angiography (ICA) provides x-ray visualisation of coronary disease (CAD) that is essential for coronary surgery/balloon angioplasty. However many patients undergo this procedure without requiring these therapies despite the associated severe complications. The ACCESS Project screens patients scheduled for ICA, identifying those unlikely to have CAD and referring them for non-invasive CT angiography. This strategy reduces procedure complications and result in major cost savings.